Natural Relief In Menopause
NATIONAL JOURNAL OF HOMOEOPATHY 1994 Nov / Dec Vol III No 6.
Prakash Kondekar.
Menopause can pose a problem for every woman between 45 and 50 years of age. Before puberty, the ovaries are small and undeveloped. At puberty they start increasing in size and secrete oestrogen and progesterone under the influence of the pituitary gland. Both these hormones are responsible for the major biological changes in women, and at every stage can be problems.
The production of these hormones reduces at menopause as there is a decrease in ovarian function. Although the hormonal changes are the cause of some of the menopausal symptoms, psychological factors are also involved.
A woman nearing menopause may suddenly think of herself as getting old. Her children may be grown up and independent, making her feel lonely, depressed and irritable. Physical symptoms like hot flushes, excessive sweating are common.
A natural way of erasing these problems is by a diet - wheat milk for breakfast and beet juice before a simple vegetarian meal can correct the problems. Yogic asana - Shavasana also plays an effective role in pre as well as post menopausal conditions.
Women secrete a certain level of oestrogen in the body. As years pass, its secretion decreases but there is an increase in the level of gonadotrophies. This helps prevent heart attacks and thickening of arteries. After menopause the hormone levels decrease making women as susceptible to heart attacks as men. Hence menopausal women should take a vegetarian diet which should include sprouted cereals like moong and matki along with ample salad before meals. This also prevents hot flushes and a vaginal dryness during sexual intercourse.
To overcome oestrogen deficiency, yogic exercises like sarvangasana and a diet to supplement calcium, like shingade (trapabispinosa roxy or water chestnut) is recommended. This will even prevent osteoporosis in future.
A history of amenorrhoea in puberty, which shows an instability in oestrogen-progesterone cycles, is often a prelude to later menopausal syndrome.
A psychological support from sympathetic friend, relative or the doctor, along with yoga will go a long way in managing many of the mental problems in menopausal women.
The most effective medicine that a doctor can give a woman entering menopause is the simplest - an explanation. He can explain to her that menopause does not mark the end of personal attractiveness or of sexual enjoyment. He can explain that the menopause is a type of readjustment that is usually the introduction to a rich period of satisfying work, play and attractive relationships.
Dr. PRAKASH KONDEKAR B. Sc. (HON) ND
Purohit Hospital,
Borivali (W)
Bombay - 400 092
Tel - 8089643.
